There are two James F. Murrays in Jersey City's history: James F. Murray, Sr (for whom PS: #38 is named) and his son, James F. Murray, Jr. Both were influential political figures in opposing Boss Frank Hague and later John V. Kenny, and both served separately as City Commissioners under the old City Commission form of municipal government. James F. Murray, Jr. was also State Senator from Hundson County (1954-1958).

There is a large archive of Murray Family historical material housed at the NJ Historical Society, under the “Murray Collection.” Additional material, especially an extensive collection of vintage photographs, are in my possession. Such as original press photographs, including many of the 1949 Freedom Ticket campaign (of which my grandfather was a member). Some were used in my article “Bosses & Reformers: Jersey City Victory Movement of 1957” which was published in 1985 in the Society's publication, New Jersey History.

I'm looking to get many of these photos and other related information on-line as part of the Jersey City Past & Present project. I plan to work with Dr. Karnoutsos of New Jersey City University to create categories for both Commissioner James F. Murray, Sr. & Senator James F. Murray, Jr. I was one of Dr. Karnoutsos' students at Jersey City State College in 1977/1978.

James F. Murray, Jr. was my Godfather. My father, Bill Lauten, was his running mate in the JC Mayoral election. I also lived for a while as a child on Stegman Pkwy which is where PS #38 is located and was proud to say I was "related" to that James F. Murray.

I wish I had gotten a chance to know my Godfather and with my father's own recent passing am very interested in reading about that era of his life.